Calcitriol is vitamin D3. Vitamin D is important for the absorption of calcium from the stomach and for the functioning of calcium in the body.

Rocaltrol is used to treat hyperparathyroidism (overactive parathyroid glands) and metabolic bone disease in people who have chronic kidney failure and are not receiving dialysis.

Rocaltrol is also used to treat calcium deficiency (hypocalcemia) and metabolic bone disease in people who are receiving dialysis.

Rocaltrol is also used to treat calcium deficiency in people with hypoparathyroidism (underactive parathyroid glands) caused by surgery, disease, or other conditions.

INSTRUCTIONS

Take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take it in larger amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results from this medication.

Call your doctor if you have ongoing vomiting or diarrhea, or if you are sweating more than usual. You can easily become dehydrated while taking this medication, which can lead to a serious electrolyte imbalance.

To be sure this medicine is helping your condition and is not causing harmful effects, your blood will need to be tested often. Visit your doctor regularly.

Calcitriol is only part of a complete program of treatment that may also include a special diet. It is very important to follow the diet plan created for you by your doctor or nutrition counselor. You should become very familiar with the list of foods you must eat or avoid to help control your condition. If you need to be on bed-rest or have any type of surgery, your dose or testing needs may change. Follow your doctor's instructions.

DOSAGE

Take the medicine as prescribed by your doctor.

If you missed the dose take it as soon as you remember; do not take if it is almost time for the next dose. Instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.

STORAGE

Store at room temperature away from moisture, light, and heat.

MORE INFO:

Active Ingredient: Calcitriol

You should not use this medication if you have high levels of calcium or vitamin D in your blood, or if you have ever had an allergic reaction to calcitriol or other forms of vitamin D. Drink plenty of fluids unless your doctor has told you to restrict your fluid intake. Call your doctor if you have ongoing vomiting or diarrhea, or if you are sweating more than usual. You can easily become dehydrated while taking this medication, which can lead to a serious electrolyte imbalance. Do not take other vitamin or mineral supplements unless your doctor has told you to. Avoid using antacids without your doctor's advice. Use only the type of antacid your doctor recommends. Some antacids can make it harder for your body to absorb calcitriol.

To be sure this medication is helping your condition, your blood will need to be tested on a regular basis. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.

SAFETY INFORMATION

You should not use this medication if you have high levels of calcium or vitamin D in your blood, or if you have ever had an allergic reaction to calcitriol or other forms of vitamin D.

To make sure you can safely take calcitriol, tell your doctor about all of your medical conditions. FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. Calcitriol can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Do not take other vitamin or mineral supplements unless your doctor has told you to. Avoid using antacids without your doctor's advice. Use only the type of antacid your doctor recommends. Some antacids can make it harder for your body to absorb calcitriol.

SIDE EFFECTS

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Stop using calcitriol and call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

weakness, headache, drowsiness;

nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, constipation;

loss of appetite;

dry mouth, increased thirst;

metallic taste in your mouth;

urinating more than usual;

fast, slow, or uneven heart rate;

changes in behavior;

muscle pain, bone pain, muscle weakness, loss of height;

slow growth (in a child taking calcitriol); or

severe pain in your upper stomach spreading to your back.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.